Timothée Chalamet has expressed his immense pride in portraying what he calls the “honour of a lifetime” role, earning widespread acclaim for his five-and-a-half-year dedication.
Following a triumphant win at the recent SAG-AFTRA ceremony, where he snagged the Best Actor award for his portrayal in ‘A Complete Unknown,’ Chalamet’s depiction of Bob Dylan has also landed him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Despite being nominated for a Golden Globe and BAFTA for the same role, he was bested by Adrien Brody’s performance in The Brutalist on both occasions.
Last night’s SAG-AFTRA victory prompted Chalamet to share the role he considers an “honour” to play, with the Call Me By Your Name and Dune actor acknowledging his quest for excellence in acting.
He remarked: “I was not expecting this at all, truly. The classiest thing would be to downplay the effort that went into this role and how much it means to me, but the truth is, this was five and a half years of my life, and I poured everything I had into playing this incomparable artist, Mr Bob Dylan.
“A true American hero, and it was the honour of a lifetime, playing him. It’s an honour I share with Monica L. Edward, the whole cast, in a genre that’s perhaps tired; everyone gave it their all.”
Chalamet also revealed his ambition to be recognised among the greats of acting, aspiring to stand alongside his idols Marlon Brando and Daniel Day-Lewis. These Academy Award-winning actors are celebrated as some of the finest in film history, and Chalamet aspires to reach similar heights in his career.
He expressed his deep appreciation for the accolade, saying: “I can’t downplay the significance of this award because it means the most to me. I know we’re in a subjective business but the truth is I’m really in pursuit of greatness.
“I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats, inspired by the greats, the greats here tonight; I’m as inspired by Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando and Viola Davis as I am of Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps, and I want to be up there.”
The ‘A Complete Unknown’ star described the award as “a little more ammo” in his quest for excellence, and fans enthusiastically embraced his speech.
One admirer commented: “This mentality is crazy. He is going to retire as an all-timer.” Another fan remarked: “The way he’s actually on his way to becoming one of the greatest too.”
Meanwhile, a third supporter said: “Went all Whiplash. He will be one of the greats, and I hope he wins Oscar over Brody. I do think he was slightly better.”
Chalamet is up against formidable competition, including previous Oscar winner Brody, who could clinch his second Academy Award for his role in ‘The Brutalist’, following his first win for ‘The Pianist’ in 2003. Other contenders for Best Actor are Sebastian Stan for ‘The Apprentice’, Ralph Fiennes for ‘Conclave’, and Colman Domingo for ‘Sing Sing’.